New Cornell Cooperative Extension’s 4-H team lead discusses how her program helps kids develop skills they will rely on for their entire lives
By David L. Podos
Q: How long have you been a 4-H team lead?
A: I started in September.
Q: Did you hold a prior position with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County before you became team lead?
A: Yes, I have been with Cornell Cooperative Extension since May of 2025 as the agriculture lead. Prior to that I was a high school earth science teacher at Adirondack High School and at Holland Patent High School.
Q: What is your educational background?
A: I received my associates degree in mathematics and science at Mohawk Valley Community College. I then transferred to Hamilton College and received my bachelor’s degree in geoscience and my Master of Science and Education from Syracuse University.
Q: I bet there are a lot of people who do not know what 4-H stands for. What does 4-H stand for?
A: Sure. The 4 Hs stand for, head, heart, hands and health. The first H stands for knowledge, to solve problems, make informed decisions, that’s where the head component comes in. The second H stands for bringing young people together around their shared interests, creating friendships and a sense of belonging, creating empathy and caring and connecting to one another.
Q: I think there is a misnomer out there and, correct me if I am wrong, that for some people when they hear someone speaking of 4-H they immediately think of young men and women learning how to become farmers. Am I right?
A: Yes, you are correct. Agricultural is obviously a big component of what we do but it goes beyond that. We are teaching skills that these kids will need in the future. So, we teach leadership skills, critical thinking skills and offer experiences that they can learn from. For instance, we promote arts and crafts. For example, we have a project they can get involved in called “Art in a Bucket.” We provide them a bucket and supplies; they go ahead and create whatever artistic renditions they want to. That is an example of the third H — hands. The fourth H is how to become healthier. This is done through a number of ways such as exercise, being outside in the fresh air and sunshine, eating healthy foods, etc.
Q: Many of our young peeople have never learned how to really communicate. How to look at someone when talking, being able to articulate clearly and reasonably, as well as having the skill to listen to a person’s response. Research has clearly shown that this lack of skilled communication has many negative side effects such as producing anxiety, fear and or depression for this cohort. Have you seen this and how do your programs help these young adults to overcome this deficit?
A: Yes, I have definitely seen this. One of the programs I am working on, which is about to start, is our Youth Government Program. With this program, the schools in our area will have an opportunity to send their students who are interested in government to their local board of legislators meeting. There they will have to identify the issues, offer solutions and present their findings. It will teach them how to speak to another person. It will absolutely build their confidence. They will be working and communicating alongside many members of their community. Confidence is so important and is a critical piece to help a young person to overcome fear, self-doubt and give them a sense of belonging.
Q: I assume your program offers a number of outside activities?
A: Of course. Many of our team members have very specific skill sets that they can offer. For instance, one of our members grew up on a farm. She knows the dairy livestock business. She can teach our kids how to care for animals, another member is into hiking, fishing and archery. We just had a “learn how to fish” event. One of the things I am excited to share and work with young adults is food preserving, teaching the kids how to make their food go longer. I love cooking, so, eating healthy foods, like organic when possible. Teaching how to grow your own food in your backyard, all of this is a great way for these kids to become healthier.
To find out more about 4-H, contact Reynolds at 315-736-3394 x 111 or jlr457@cornell.edu